Hello, I am a noob. I'll be asking quite a few questions typical to a new guy and I always appreciate suggestions!

First off, I have a Gary Fisher Tass, honestly I don't know what year it is...I got it for my bday a year and a half ago. No disc brakes, black, neat white cursive writing, Axel fork, bontrager wheels/tires and other parts ...That's about all I know :S

This spring I'm going to look into some trails to hit up. After I get used to it I would like to even enter some races or whatever, just to have a good time. My question- What are all the necessities? Helmet, Disc Brakes, etc? Where's a good place to buy all this stuff online? Heck, any advice or suggestions would be great...thanks!

-Gus